Loaches Online Forum

I need a loach that will eat snails, but not eat shrimp.

I know that might be impossible, but gotta try.

My LFS has some banded Dalhi Loaches that they say might work.

Its a 33 Gallon Tank with only shrimp in it. It has a snail problem that i would like to irradicate.

The loaches would be the only fish in it.

Thanks !

dwarf loaches
striatas
they don't get big, i doubt they'd eat shrimp... not sure though... maybe emma will post, she's good.

I have 6 amano shrimp. I too had a snail problem and was in the same dilemna. I have two black kuhlis that are 3 inches long and the shrimp are 1-2" and the shrimp were there first. The blacks seem to have figured out a way to kill most of the smaller ( less than 3/8" ) snails by grabbing them when they are out and shaking vigorously. The snail population was quite large and is now reduced to a a very manageable level. I have regular kuhlis also, but they don't seem to have this technique down, but don't bother the shrimp either. I would also make sure you have plenty of competition for algae (Otocinclus or something) just to minimize snail food. I can't guarantee that blacks will work, but they do a very good job in mine.

blacks don't do anything in my puffer tank... and the puffers are regularly fed snails as a treat and as a maintainance issue. i doubt khulis are known for snail eating/control, i'd say stick with a small botia... they LOVE snails and most people keep clown loaches that don't eat ghost shrimp etc, so shrimp should be alright with a smaller loach. (striata or dwarf)...kubotais would be too curious i think... same with yo-yos... striats get about 3-4" usually more like 3" and dwarves are about the same i believe...